Does my child need an eye test

Eyes are small but complex organs containing many parts. Looking after them correctly from a young age is crucial to ongoing eye health.

Our bodies have many mechanisms in place to protect our eyes: eyelids and eyelashes help to keep dirt out of the eye and tears ensure that if dirt does get in, it is immediately cleaned away. However, there are many things that can go wrong with eyes that our bodies cannot fix. This is why kids should have regular eye examinations as a routine part of growing up.

Specsavers optometrists recommend having your eyes tested every two years from the age of three.

Most of the common eye problems affecting kids can be picked up during the pre-school years. The earlier a problem is detected the easier it will be to treat and, if picked up early enough, some potentially serious conditions can even be reversed.

Common eye conditions in kids

Refractive errors are conditions that come about due to the way an individual eye is shaped. Images are blurred because the eye cannot focus properly. These refractive errors are commonly seen in children:

Astigmatism - means that there is something wrong with the curve of the cornea, making images blurry. Specially designed contact lenses and glasses can correct this problem.

Short-sightedness (Myopia) - means that people have trouble seeing things that are far away, but usually see things very well close up. Kids with this condition are usually prescribed glasses or contact lenses. Laser surgery is only an option as an adult

Long-sightedness (Hyperopia) - means that it is difficult to see objects that are close. Objects that are far away are generally seen without a problem. Again, glasses or contact lenses are the best form of treatment for this condition.

Other common childhood eye problems include:

Lazy Eye (Amblyopia) - a condition that is brought about by either a refractive error (see explanation above) or by crossed eyes. This problem can be detected in a routine pre-school eye examination and should be treated immediately to avoid irreversible damage.

Crossed Eyes (Strabismus) - occurs when the muscles around the affected eye do not work properly, causing each eye to look at a different object at the same time. Patching, glasses or surgery can fix this condition, which left untreated can also lead to lazy eye.

Signs of an eye problem

Your child may have an eye problem if they display any of the following symptoms:

Constant tearing or redness of the eyes

Frequent eye rubbing

Light sensitivity

Difficulty following an object with the eyes

Crossed or misaligned eyes (after 6 months of age)

If your child is at school, some common signs of eye problems may include: